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Truth Sister
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. TO SURVIVE IN A HOSTILE WORLD, WOMEN MUST TAKE CONTROL OF THE KNOWLEDGE THAT REMAINS. The year is 2149. The Women's Republic of Anglia seeks to harness forgotten technologies from the days when men ruled the world. But when Clara Perdue stumbles on information that the Republic has tried to keep hidden, she begins to realise that the society she has been taught to believe in - and trained to defend - is not all that it seems. A secret from Clara's past puts herself, her family, and her friends in danger, and Clara must choose between subservience and rebellion. In a world where knowledge is power, what you know can save your life. Or it can get you killed.
- GenresDystopia
496 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Phil Gilvin
6 books12 followersPhil started writing when his children grew too old to have bedtime stories read to them any more. After two "practice" novels and some successes with short stories, Phil's debut novel Truth Sister was published by Impress Books in 2018. Blackwolf and Scorpion, the remaining books in the trilogy, are being published in 2024.
Phil is a retired physicist, and as well as writing he enjoys walking and folk singing. He lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, not far from the ancient Wessex downland.
Phil is a retired physicist, and as well as writing he enjoys walking and folk singing. He lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, not far from the ancient Wessex downland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 12, 2023
(rounded up from 3.5)
'Truth sister' is based in 2149, where every decision and law is laid down by women. Men are not part of the equation, and are seen as lower class people. Above all this, without men, sexual relations is no longer needed, people are born from the state through an extensive process, women are born through cloning. 'Naturals' on the other hand, anyone born through sexual intercourse, are shunned and seen as second class citizens.
The story follows Clara, who after graduating from a prestigious academy who's job is to teach women how to gain knowledge from books and artifacts from times gone by, so the world of the woman can learn the technology of before. When finding out something dreadful, she navigates the world alone, and with others very different to herself, and finds out alot of sad truths about the Women's Republic of Anglia.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the idea and execution of this. I loved the concept, it was a really brilliant twist on the dystopic view on the men being the ruler whilst women were severely second class or lower class citizens. I loved the description of scenery, and different places we know now, looked in the world of Trutg Sister.
From the very start the reader is supposed to find Clara abhorrent and closed minded, and this is was very well done. I found her intolerable at times during the start of the book, but as it progresses and the story carries on through, Clara really opens up, and the realistic fact that even towards the end she still has some things still drilled into her mind. There are many characters that are brilliant and great additions, and add alot to the depth of the story and to Clara's development.
My problem with the story is that for alot of it, it's extremely slow paced. Which would be find if during the process of the slow burn it was filled with worthwhile story, but there was a lot of writing that added little to the wider story or even to small side stories that may have been in the book.
With what happens in the book, I feel like some of it could definitely have been cut out, and would still have been a brilliant book, or even better than that. Some characters I feel deserved alot more time in the book than they did, or could've added more to the story too.
I'd definitely recommend this story, and I'd even moreso like to see how the second book follows on.
Thanks so much to @lovebooktours for allowing me to read this!!
'Truth sister' is based in 2149, where every decision and law is laid down by women. Men are not part of the equation, and are seen as lower class people. Above all this, without men, sexual relations is no longer needed, people are born from the state through an extensive process, women are born through cloning. 'Naturals' on the other hand, anyone born through sexual intercourse, are shunned and seen as second class citizens.
The story follows Clara, who after graduating from a prestigious academy who's job is to teach women how to gain knowledge from books and artifacts from times gone by, so the world of the woman can learn the technology of before. When finding out something dreadful, she navigates the world alone, and with others very different to herself, and finds out alot of sad truths about the Women's Republic of Anglia.
For the most part, I really enjoyed the idea and execution of this. I loved the concept, it was a really brilliant twist on the dystopic view on the men being the ruler whilst women were severely second class or lower class citizens. I loved the description of scenery, and different places we know now, looked in the world of Trutg Sister.
From the very start the reader is supposed to find Clara abhorrent and closed minded, and this is was very well done. I found her intolerable at times during the start of the book, but as it progresses and the story carries on through, Clara really opens up, and the realistic fact that even towards the end she still has some things still drilled into her mind. There are many characters that are brilliant and great additions, and add alot to the depth of the story and to Clara's development.
My problem with the story is that for alot of it, it's extremely slow paced. Which would be find if during the process of the slow burn it was filled with worthwhile story, but there was a lot of writing that added little to the wider story or even to small side stories that may have been in the book.
With what happens in the book, I feel like some of it could definitely have been cut out, and would still have been a brilliant book, or even better than that. Some characters I feel deserved alot more time in the book than they did, or could've added more to the story too.
I'd definitely recommend this story, and I'd even moreso like to see how the second book follows on.
Thanks so much to @lovebooktours for allowing me to read this!!
July 7, 2018
Clara starts off as a really unpleasant protagonist – this is a brave move on the part of Gilvin, as many readers, me included, don’t particularly enjoy reading a first-person narrative by someone so priggish and judgemental. My advice would be to stick with her, though, as she becomes less close-minded and brainwashed once she leaves the Academy. There are a number of strong, well-written characters supporting her. I particularly liked Clara’s mother and their manservant, Jamie.
Increasingly, Clara begins to realise that the Republic is nothing like the idealised system she has been taught to love and defend and we are right with her as her beliefs become unravelled, along with her life as the fault lines in society start breaking down. I enjoyed the fact that this story is set in a post-apocalyptic England, where recognisable place names are clearly very different places. London, in particular, is in all sorts of trouble as the Thames Barrier is in danger of failing. I became caught up in Clara’s adventures and thoroughly enjoyed the twisting plot which presented many surprises along the way.
My one niggle is that the main antagonist is presented as something of a caricature who I found it difficult to take seriously. Despite being told how very frightening she was, she seemed too over the top and ridiculous in comparison to the sympathetic, nuanced characterisations throughout the rest of the story. Having said that, it wasn’t a dealbreaker and I have found myself thinking a lot about this book since I finished it. Recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction. While I obtained an arc of Truth Sister from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
Increasingly, Clara begins to realise that the Republic is nothing like the idealised system she has been taught to love and defend and we are right with her as her beliefs become unravelled, along with her life as the fault lines in society start breaking down. I enjoyed the fact that this story is set in a post-apocalyptic England, where recognisable place names are clearly very different places. London, in particular, is in all sorts of trouble as the Thames Barrier is in danger of failing. I became caught up in Clara’s adventures and thoroughly enjoyed the twisting plot which presented many surprises along the way.
My one niggle is that the main antagonist is presented as something of a caricature who I found it difficult to take seriously. Despite being told how very frightening she was, she seemed too over the top and ridiculous in comparison to the sympathetic, nuanced characterisations throughout the rest of the story. Having said that, it wasn’t a dealbreaker and I have found myself thinking a lot about this book since I finished it. Recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction. While I obtained an arc of Truth Sister from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
July 20, 2018
It took me a while to engage fully with this story, and I feel the second half of the book is better than the first. This is an interesting albeit slightly frightening dystopian perspective on our world being dominated by women, to the point where cloning is supposedly more common than non-cloned humans. Or is it? This question wasn't fully answered, perhaps deliberately because there is definitely scope for this to become a series. There are also extremely disturbing genetically engineered humans, one of whom plays a fairly major part in the story, and again I would have liked to see more of this character.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
September 24, 2023
This is the second book I've read by Phil. Blackwolf was one of my very first tours so it was a real joy to see his books back and a pleasure to be able to read and review this one too.
I believe that this is actually book one in the series and Blackwolf follows on from this story - but having been such a long time since I read it, this didn't spoil my enjoyment of reading these in the wrong order.
This book had a fairly slow start, but given that this is set in a dystopian future, this is to be expected. There was a fair amount of world building and the needed character introductions.
Although this part is usually the part that bogs me down and makes this genre less enjoyable to me, I actually really loved this, because knowing how things develop later, and how many questions I'd had about how the world came about, this answered lots of my previous questions.
The concept is really intriguing and being set in England, there are many areas of familiarity with this altered reality.
I wasn't too keen on Clara, our main character. I'm not really sure what it was but definitely felt that coming into this one fresh, she'd have been a tricky one to ge to grips with.
However, I remember that in book 2, I'd really liked Clara, so was prepared to overlook this start, knowing that I'd warm to her and even come to love her development. (Definitely stick with it, it's worthwhile)
Although I do remember a fair amount from Blackwolf, I really can't wait to re-read it now as this book leaves you hanging and with questions, so I think to follow straight on will be brilliant.
I believe that this is actually book one in the series and Blackwolf follows on from this story - but having been such a long time since I read it, this didn't spoil my enjoyment of reading these in the wrong order.
This book had a fairly slow start, but given that this is set in a dystopian future, this is to be expected. There was a fair amount of world building and the needed character introductions.
Although this part is usually the part that bogs me down and makes this genre less enjoyable to me, I actually really loved this, because knowing how things develop later, and how many questions I'd had about how the world came about, this answered lots of my previous questions.
The concept is really intriguing and being set in England, there are many areas of familiarity with this altered reality.
I wasn't too keen on Clara, our main character. I'm not really sure what it was but definitely felt that coming into this one fresh, she'd have been a tricky one to ge to grips with.
However, I remember that in book 2, I'd really liked Clara, so was prepared to overlook this start, knowing that I'd warm to her and even come to love her development. (Definitely stick with it, it's worthwhile)
Although I do remember a fair amount from Blackwolf, I really can't wait to re-read it now as this book leaves you hanging and with questions, so I think to follow straight on will be brilliant.
April 28, 2022
I found this to be a gripping read that I couldn't put down. It was well written with a compelling storyline, well developed characters and good world building with vivid descriptions.
I really disliked the protagonist at the beginning but as the story evolved I found myself liking her more and more.
This was a chilling yet engaging read as it is very easy to imagine this happening in the real world and it gave me very similar vibes to the handmaids tale but I think I actually enjoyed this one more.
If you live dystopian literature then you sill love this and if you havent read much dystopian literature this would be a great starting place. I really liked it.
I really disliked the protagonist at the beginning but as the story evolved I found myself liking her more and more.
This was a chilling yet engaging read as it is very easy to imagine this happening in the real world and it gave me very similar vibes to the handmaids tale but I think I actually enjoyed this one more.
If you live dystopian literature then you sill love this and if you havent read much dystopian literature this would be a great starting place. I really liked it.
August 15, 2018
In a World ruled by the women of the Republic, with men merely slaves to do their bidding, Clara must unravel the truth. And I think if the plot had been a little more unique surrounding this I might have really enjoyed it. But I encountered a few issues and tropes along the way that I just couldn't shake off.
Clara is a Truth Sister, training within an academy of women who want to learn to be the respectable citizens all girls should be according to the republic. She is not a nice character. In fact, she is portrayed as a snotty, overly particular suck up to the system she obeys. And part of me thought this was very clever, in fact part of me really enjoys a nasty character - she perfectly embodies what is to be a single cog in a very big wheel, and it isn't such a hard personality trait to believe; we've seen it throughout military history. What I found more difficult to understand was how she remained so naive and frustrating even once she begins to unravel some of the secrets of her life and doesn't quite shake off the institutionalised behaviour she has been forced to adopt. She remains predictable throughout.
That's just the thing really - this story is a massive trope. One girl will discover that the society she lives in isn't all it's cracked up to be and must solve the mystery and change the way people think. I would have enjoyed the overall concept of this book so much more if it hadn't been another corrupt government plot in a post apocalyptic world.
I also struggled with how this story was sometimes told through the characters rather than the world building. There are many, many wooden and overly obtuse conversations between characters - it felt like a really poor TV script. I prefer to be led in the right direction so I can discover things for myself, rather than reading deliberate over-telling of the plot.
Having said all of this, the story was a really quick read and I did find it to be quite a page turner once I became comfortable with Clara's personality. I think the author has made some really bold choices in this book, both with the plot and a difficult main character, and for the most part that worked. But not enough to carry another corrupt dystopian storyline.
ARC provided free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Clara is a Truth Sister, training within an academy of women who want to learn to be the respectable citizens all girls should be according to the republic. She is not a nice character. In fact, she is portrayed as a snotty, overly particular suck up to the system she obeys. And part of me thought this was very clever, in fact part of me really enjoys a nasty character - she perfectly embodies what is to be a single cog in a very big wheel, and it isn't such a hard personality trait to believe; we've seen it throughout military history. What I found more difficult to understand was how she remained so naive and frustrating even once she begins to unravel some of the secrets of her life and doesn't quite shake off the institutionalised behaviour she has been forced to adopt. She remains predictable throughout.
That's just the thing really - this story is a massive trope. One girl will discover that the society she lives in isn't all it's cracked up to be and must solve the mystery and change the way people think. I would have enjoyed the overall concept of this book so much more if it hadn't been another corrupt government plot in a post apocalyptic world.
I also struggled with how this story was sometimes told through the characters rather than the world building. There are many, many wooden and overly obtuse conversations between characters - it felt like a really poor TV script. I prefer to be led in the right direction so I can discover things for myself, rather than reading deliberate over-telling of the plot.
Having said all of this, the story was a really quick read and I did find it to be quite a page turner once I became comfortable with Clara's personality. I think the author has made some really bold choices in this book, both with the plot and a difficult main character, and for the most part that worked. But not enough to carry another corrupt dystopian storyline.
ARC provided free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
Reviewed by Anne on www.readbetweenthescenes.com
We meet Carla Perdue getting ready to graduate from Academy with dreams of getting a first so that she can become a Truth Sister. The author describes the Academy and the characters very well that you remember all of the characters even though there are a lot and they pop up throughout the book throughout Carla's journey into discovering the truth about the world. A lot of things happen in the first few chapters and we learn how naturals are treated and it is reiterated a lot throughout the book that men are the root of evil in the world and now they have become servants to women as the women are being cloned to remain pure and fix the world.
Carla has been bought up believing in the Republic's ways and believing in cloning as the method for the future, however something happens before her graduation and before she starts her working life as a Truth Sister to make her question all that she was taught to believe and in the governments ways. I did find it a bit unfair how men were blamed for all the disasters because they stored information on computers and then the world ran out of power to access the information stored, but it is a possibly in the real future as we become more dependent on computers. I also did cringe a little when men and women were described as animals for mating naturally compared to relying on cloning for making babies.
Overall I did enjoy the book and having lived in London for most of my life, I enjoyed when Carla visited towns that I've lived in / visited myself e.g. Battersea, Clapham Common and Vauxhall. A lot of things are tied up towards the end of the book but also there is enough left for further books in the series, I did keep wondering how the book would end as I kept thinking there was a lot of things to cover when I was 3/4 of the way through the book. It will be interesting to see how Clara will use the information she has learned from being a Truth Sister against the Republic in the future.
We meet Carla Perdue getting ready to graduate from Academy with dreams of getting a first so that she can become a Truth Sister. The author describes the Academy and the characters very well that you remember all of the characters even though there are a lot and they pop up throughout the book throughout Carla's journey into discovering the truth about the world. A lot of things happen in the first few chapters and we learn how naturals are treated and it is reiterated a lot throughout the book that men are the root of evil in the world and now they have become servants to women as the women are being cloned to remain pure and fix the world.
Carla has been bought up believing in the Republic's ways and believing in cloning as the method for the future, however something happens before her graduation and before she starts her working life as a Truth Sister to make her question all that she was taught to believe and in the governments ways. I did find it a bit unfair how men were blamed for all the disasters because they stored information on computers and then the world ran out of power to access the information stored, but it is a possibly in the real future as we become more dependent on computers. I also did cringe a little when men and women were described as animals for mating naturally compared to relying on cloning for making babies.
Overall I did enjoy the book and having lived in London for most of my life, I enjoyed when Carla visited towns that I've lived in / visited myself e.g. Battersea, Clapham Common and Vauxhall. A lot of things are tied up towards the end of the book but also there is enough left for further books in the series, I did keep wondering how the book would end as I kept thinking there was a lot of things to cover when I was 3/4 of the way through the book. It will be interesting to see how Clara will use the information she has learned from being a Truth Sister against the Republic in the future.
April 30, 2022
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘📗 📚(5/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: Truth Sister
🖋️ Author: @philgilvin
🖨️ Publisher: @AelurusPublish
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours
🎭 Genre: Sci-fi & YA Post-apocalyptic
📖 Format: 📖
📄 Pages: 374
🎨 Artwork
I absolutely love the dark and mysterious palette used on the cover. It definately cries post-apocalyptic & dystopian London.
✒️ Style
I really enjoyed @philgilvins writing style, they've effectively juxtaposed the character voices. This enables the reader to experience the different character personalities through the authors style.
👪 Characters
The female lead character, Clara, is charismatic and naive. She develops, matures and becomes a young women as you progress through the book.
I'm curious to know more about Ms. Teacher, as it felt as though there was more of her story to tell too.
📈 Plot
Set in a dystopian Britain in 2149, Clara Perdue is training to be Truth Sister. Her journey takes her through mental, physical and emotional trials and tribulations. She makes many friends and enemies along the way. As a Truth Sister she learns many secrets, she strives for knowledge and understanding even if it's not what she wants to hear.
🤓 Read more
I particularly enjoyed @philgilvins writing style and will certainly go on a search of the authors other work.
📢 Favourite quote
"Women are the pinnacle of evolution, and we have to keep it that way".....
"I think this particular pinnacle of evolution needs rest"
❓Question for the author
Who was your inspiration for the character Shavila?
#truthsister #AelurusPublish #PhilGilvin
.
#ad #AdGifted #LoveBooksTours #dystopian #independantpublishing #fyp #bookstagram #booktok #youngadultbooks #yadystopian #truthsister #bookrecommendations
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview
🔲 Book Title: Truth Sister
🖋️ Author: @philgilvin
🖨️ Publisher: @AelurusPublish
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours
🎭 Genre: Sci-fi & YA Post-apocalyptic
📖 Format: 📖
📄 Pages: 374
🎨 Artwork
I absolutely love the dark and mysterious palette used on the cover. It definately cries post-apocalyptic & dystopian London.
✒️ Style
I really enjoyed @philgilvins writing style, they've effectively juxtaposed the character voices. This enables the reader to experience the different character personalities through the authors style.
👪 Characters
The female lead character, Clara, is charismatic and naive. She develops, matures and becomes a young women as you progress through the book.
I'm curious to know more about Ms. Teacher, as it felt as though there was more of her story to tell too.
📈 Plot
Set in a dystopian Britain in 2149, Clara Perdue is training to be Truth Sister. Her journey takes her through mental, physical and emotional trials and tribulations. She makes many friends and enemies along the way. As a Truth Sister she learns many secrets, she strives for knowledge and understanding even if it's not what she wants to hear.
🤓 Read more
I particularly enjoyed @philgilvins writing style and will certainly go on a search of the authors other work.
📢 Favourite quote
"Women are the pinnacle of evolution, and we have to keep it that way".....
"I think this particular pinnacle of evolution needs rest"
❓Question for the author
Who was your inspiration for the character Shavila?
#truthsister #AelurusPublish #PhilGilvin
.
#ad #AdGifted #LoveBooksTours #dystopian #independantpublishing #fyp #bookstagram #booktok #youngadultbooks #yadystopian #truthsister #bookrecommendations
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview
September 8, 2023
‘Truth Sister’ by Phil Gilvin is a captivating story set in the year 2149. The Women’s Republic of Anglia has put women in charge of everything and the last few men who survived Nile Flu decades ago are their servants now.
This book provides over 400 pages of suspense-packed reading material. The story follows Clara Perdue, a Truth Sister. She recently graduated from the Academy and now has the responsible job of finding long-lost knowledge from the past, so that society can keep on functioning. But there seem to be a few problems below the surface, a war is taking place and people disappear mysteriously.
The characters in this book are well developed and allow the reader to empathise with them when they face all kinds of challenges in this world without 21st century technology. I particularly liked how Clara personally grows and learns things about herself and the world around her. I also enjoyed the interesting background of all the other characters. If I could ask the author one question, I would like to know how he came up with all these charming character names?
What I loved most about this book is the lovely cover showing the London Barrier and the importance of this landmark in the story. With this book, the author has shown that he has a great imagination and an easy to read writing style.
While reading, I was wondering what happened to Clara’s parents. This becomes clearer towards the end, and hopefully will also be something the following two books in this trilogy will explore. I would be very happy to read more by the author in the future.
Overall, it was a really good read. I can definitely recommend the book.
This book provides over 400 pages of suspense-packed reading material. The story follows Clara Perdue, a Truth Sister. She recently graduated from the Academy and now has the responsible job of finding long-lost knowledge from the past, so that society can keep on functioning. But there seem to be a few problems below the surface, a war is taking place and people disappear mysteriously.
The characters in this book are well developed and allow the reader to empathise with them when they face all kinds of challenges in this world without 21st century technology. I particularly liked how Clara personally grows and learns things about herself and the world around her. I also enjoyed the interesting background of all the other characters. If I could ask the author one question, I would like to know how he came up with all these charming character names?
What I loved most about this book is the lovely cover showing the London Barrier and the importance of this landmark in the story. With this book, the author has shown that he has a great imagination and an easy to read writing style.
While reading, I was wondering what happened to Clara’s parents. This becomes clearer towards the end, and hopefully will also be something the following two books in this trilogy will explore. I would be very happy to read more by the author in the future.
Overall, it was a really good read. I can definitely recommend the book.
September 13, 2023
‘Truth Sister’ is an engaging dystopian novel that really makes you wonder if the events portrayed could really occur! It was well-written, with believable and compelling characters and a narrative that hopefully is not a portent to the future. This is the first book in the series and I enjoyed to the extent that I will be looking out for its follow up ‘Blackwolf’.
2149 and women are in power. The Republic knows that knowledge is power and it attempting to reclaim it from history. It seeks for technology that will help now and in the future. Clara Perdue has just finished her education and is now working at the Institute of Knowledge as a Truth Sister. When she stumbles on some information that makes her question the Republic. When a secret from her past threatens her future and those around her Clara must choose between subservience or rebellion.
It is a bit of a slow start to the book but in its defence it has to set up the world-building aspect and introduce us to us dogma and the main players in the series. Whilst I found most of it to be believable it was the lack of technology I found to be weird, surely by that stage the world would have been run on renewables. The rest about climate change, people being desperate to survive and new dogmas and ideas coming forth was believable and authentic.
I must admit I found Clara to be very prissy at the start and I wasn't sure I would like her. But as the story progresses you get to see her coming-of-age journey as she matures into someone with empathy and is determined to get to the truth!
Let me know if you pick this one up.
2149 and women are in power. The Republic knows that knowledge is power and it attempting to reclaim it from history. It seeks for technology that will help now and in the future. Clara Perdue has just finished her education and is now working at the Institute of Knowledge as a Truth Sister. When she stumbles on some information that makes her question the Republic. When a secret from her past threatens her future and those around her Clara must choose between subservience or rebellion.
It is a bit of a slow start to the book but in its defence it has to set up the world-building aspect and introduce us to us dogma and the main players in the series. Whilst I found most of it to be believable it was the lack of technology I found to be weird, surely by that stage the world would have been run on renewables. The rest about climate change, people being desperate to survive and new dogmas and ideas coming forth was believable and authentic.
I must admit I found Clara to be very prissy at the start and I wasn't sure I would like her. But as the story progresses you get to see her coming-of-age journey as she matures into someone with empathy and is determined to get to the truth!
Let me know if you pick this one up.
May 11, 2022
Truth Sister by Phil Gilvin
#ad #gifted
This YA dystopian novel was really great. I loved the premise and have enjoyed books on a similar idea with women in charge of the world. I enjoyed the character development throughout the story and the twists the main character had to face.
Here's the blurb, what do you think?
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. TO SURVIVE IN A HOSTILE WORLD, WOMEN MUST TAKE CONTROL OF THE KNOWLEDGE THAT REMAINS.
The year is 2149. The Women's Republic of Anglia seeks to harness forgotten technologies from the time when men ruled the world. Naturals are second-class citizens, while women born through cloning are the true children of the Republic. When Clara Perdue graduates from the prestigious Academy, she is ready to do her part to support the Republic and bring about a better future for all.
But when she stumbles on information that the Republic has tried to keep hidden, she begins to realise that the society she has been taught to believe in and trained to defend is not all that it seems. A secret from Clara's past puts herself, her family, and her friends in danger, and Clara must choose between subservience and rebellion.
In a world where knowledge is power, what you know can save your life. Or it can get you killed.
Thank you @philgilvin
@aeluruspublishing
@lovebookstours
@igbooktours
#Ad #Gifted #LoveBooksTours #dystopian #independantpublishing #fyp #bookstagram #booktok #youngadultbooks #yadystopian #truthsister #bookrecommendations
#ad #gifted
This YA dystopian novel was really great. I loved the premise and have enjoyed books on a similar idea with women in charge of the world. I enjoyed the character development throughout the story and the twists the main character had to face.
Here's the blurb, what do you think?
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. TO SURVIVE IN A HOSTILE WORLD, WOMEN MUST TAKE CONTROL OF THE KNOWLEDGE THAT REMAINS.
The year is 2149. The Women's Republic of Anglia seeks to harness forgotten technologies from the time when men ruled the world. Naturals are second-class citizens, while women born through cloning are the true children of the Republic. When Clara Perdue graduates from the prestigious Academy, she is ready to do her part to support the Republic and bring about a better future for all.
But when she stumbles on information that the Republic has tried to keep hidden, she begins to realise that the society she has been taught to believe in and trained to defend is not all that it seems. A secret from Clara's past puts herself, her family, and her friends in danger, and Clara must choose between subservience and rebellion.
In a world where knowledge is power, what you know can save your life. Or it can get you killed.
Thank you @philgilvin
@aeluruspublishing
@lovebookstours
@igbooktours
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May 3, 2022
TRUTH SISTER BY PHIL GILVIN
Blurb:
Knowledge is power. Knowing it, could save you ... or kill you.
Year 2149 in the Women's Republic of Anglia and in the Academy, Clara Perdue is training to become a Truth Sister, a privileged position allowing her to maintain the new order of social purity. Men broke the world as it was, caused the changes in the climate that brought so much pain. Only women can bring order to the chaos and Clara wants more than anything to help bring it about.
But when she stumbles upon information that the Republic has tried to suppress, questions surface. And a family secret that brings danger to Clara's family only adds to her confusion. Is the social purity she believes in even possible? And in a world of lies, how can she know what is true?
Clara pushed herself into her position of influence and now she must choose. Will she bow down to the institution she was raised to believe in and grew to love, or will she risk everything for her family
Clara's choices will impact not only her and her family, but potentially the fabric of the Republic.
Pros: Neatly written exploring rare concept of cloning.
If you love dystopian fiction like handmaid’s tale, then this book is for you.
Gripping and suspenseful.
Cons: gets a little stretchy sometimes.
My review: 3.5/5
Blurb:
Knowledge is power. Knowing it, could save you ... or kill you.
Year 2149 in the Women's Republic of Anglia and in the Academy, Clara Perdue is training to become a Truth Sister, a privileged position allowing her to maintain the new order of social purity. Men broke the world as it was, caused the changes in the climate that brought so much pain. Only women can bring order to the chaos and Clara wants more than anything to help bring it about.
But when she stumbles upon information that the Republic has tried to suppress, questions surface. And a family secret that brings danger to Clara's family only adds to her confusion. Is the social purity she believes in even possible? And in a world of lies, how can she know what is true?
Clara pushed herself into her position of influence and now she must choose. Will she bow down to the institution she was raised to believe in and grew to love, or will she risk everything for her family
Clara's choices will impact not only her and her family, but potentially the fabric of the Republic.
Pros: Neatly written exploring rare concept of cloning.
If you love dystopian fiction like handmaid’s tale, then this book is for you.
Gripping and suspenseful.
Cons: gets a little stretchy sometimes.
My review: 3.5/5
September 25, 2023
Truth Sister
By Phil Gilvin
Knowledge is power. Knowing it, could save you ... or kill you.
Year 2149 in the Women's Republic of Anglia and in the Academy, Clara Perdue is training to become a Truth Sister, a privileged position allowing her to maintain the new order of social purity. Men broke the world as it was, caused the changes in the climate that brought so much pain. Only women can bring order to the chaos and Clara wants more than anything to help bring it about.
Clara (the main protagonist) started off as the most annoying character I have ever read from the perspective of in such a long time I honestly feared I wouldn’t be able to finish the book, but as the book progressed you did warm to her although it was still a 50/50 relationship.
I really liked the dystopian take on the UK as so many are based in America so it was nice being able to identify some of the places travelled to and from.
My only criticism is that there were a lot of questions left unanswered but as this is the first part of the trilogy that was to be expected, although some of the underlying plot stories I felt should/could have been explored deeper.
It gave Y: The Last Man / handmaids tale vibes which I enjoy in your bog standard dystopian story. It was a pretty easy read, slow to start and the second half of the book was more for engaging than the first.
By Phil Gilvin
Knowledge is power. Knowing it, could save you ... or kill you.
Year 2149 in the Women's Republic of Anglia and in the Academy, Clara Perdue is training to become a Truth Sister, a privileged position allowing her to maintain the new order of social purity. Men broke the world as it was, caused the changes in the climate that brought so much pain. Only women can bring order to the chaos and Clara wants more than anything to help bring it about.
Clara (the main protagonist) started off as the most annoying character I have ever read from the perspective of in such a long time I honestly feared I wouldn’t be able to finish the book, but as the book progressed you did warm to her although it was still a 50/50 relationship.
I really liked the dystopian take on the UK as so many are based in America so it was nice being able to identify some of the places travelled to and from.
My only criticism is that there were a lot of questions left unanswered but as this is the first part of the trilogy that was to be expected, although some of the underlying plot stories I felt should/could have been explored deeper.
It gave Y: The Last Man / handmaids tale vibes which I enjoy in your bog standard dystopian story. It was a pretty easy read, slow to start and the second half of the book was more for engaging than the first.
September 25, 2023
“In a world where knowledge is power, what you know can save your life. Or it can get you killed.”
Truth Sister by Phil Gilvin is a futuristic dystopian novel where women rule the world.
Our main character, Clara, is about to graduate from an Academy where she is learning to be a respectable citizen in the eyes of the Republic, and with the ambition of becoming a Truth Sister.
Clara is not an instantly likeable character at all. She is judgmental and unpleasant, and I think this was a very brave but excellent choice for the author to make. As we follow Clara through the book we see her open her eyes and grow into a character you can end up getting behind.
The plot is solid, many secrets are revealed as we progress and there is enough mystery and action to keep the pages turning.
I enjoyed the writing in this one too, and liked that even though it is a YA book, it didn’t feel young like a lot of others do.
My only real niggle was that I would have preferred to learn more through worldbuilding rather than through the conversations of characters.
Overall this was a solid dystopian read (I really am a sucker for dystopian books!) and ended up being quite the page turner!
Thank you to lovebookstours for arranging a review copy in exchange for this honest review.
Truth Sister by Phil Gilvin is a futuristic dystopian novel where women rule the world.
Our main character, Clara, is about to graduate from an Academy where she is learning to be a respectable citizen in the eyes of the Republic, and with the ambition of becoming a Truth Sister.
Clara is not an instantly likeable character at all. She is judgmental and unpleasant, and I think this was a very brave but excellent choice for the author to make. As we follow Clara through the book we see her open her eyes and grow into a character you can end up getting behind.
The plot is solid, many secrets are revealed as we progress and there is enough mystery and action to keep the pages turning.
I enjoyed the writing in this one too, and liked that even though it is a YA book, it didn’t feel young like a lot of others do.
My only real niggle was that I would have preferred to learn more through worldbuilding rather than through the conversations of characters.
Overall this was a solid dystopian read (I really am a sucker for dystopian books!) and ended up being quite the page turner!
Thank you to lovebookstours for arranging a review copy in exchange for this honest review.
May 3, 2022
So it took me a while to get into this book, mainly because of a deep dislike of the protagonist in this story, Clara and the second half of this book feels like it’s better than the first. However, there is EVERY reason to keep going with this one.
As the story develops and Clara leaves the brainwashing of the Academy behind her you see how she starts to see the reality of the republic and Clara’s character begins to develop into an, if not likeable, more relatable character. Another good thing about this book it the more supporting characters in the story have strong narrative and the fact that you can actually recognise places in the world the republic is created in, rather than the usual futuristic names of dystopian novels, made it more realistic.
The underlying theme of a female dominated society and whether of not cloning is the only way to go is a brave move for the author and one I feel pays off as whilst I struggled with Clara, this book was quite the page turner and I raced through it.
All in all if you love, dystopian novels you will love this one!
The Pursuit Of Bookiness received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
As the story develops and Clara leaves the brainwashing of the Academy behind her you see how she starts to see the reality of the republic and Clara’s character begins to develop into an, if not likeable, more relatable character. Another good thing about this book it the more supporting characters in the story have strong narrative and the fact that you can actually recognise places in the world the republic is created in, rather than the usual futuristic names of dystopian novels, made it more realistic.
The underlying theme of a female dominated society and whether of not cloning is the only way to go is a brave move for the author and one I feel pays off as whilst I struggled with Clara, this book was quite the page turner and I raced through it.
All in all if you love, dystopian novels you will love this one!
The Pursuit Of Bookiness received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
September 7, 2023
I knew very quickly I was going to love this book! The whole premise was like nothing I've ever read before. It's 2149 and humans have found a way to clone. They now believe men are no longer needed, and also that men are the root cause of evil. To be born 'naturally' is now considered completely unnatural. The book follows Clara as she navigates a life completely differently to the one she imagined when she finished college and became a Truth Sister.
The book had so many twists and introduced so many characters that I was consistently intrigued by the storyline, as everything could change so quickly from chapter to chapter. The story was great at showing how our deep routed beliefs can quickly change. Especially when we find they are all based on a pack of lies.
Clara didn't strike me as a very likeable character initially, but that did change. The more we followed her journey for the truth, the more I rooted for her. She seemed to grow from a docile, almost obedient, character, to someone that could turn fierce when needed and fight for the truth.
I can't wait for the sequel.
The book had so many twists and introduced so many characters that I was consistently intrigued by the storyline, as everything could change so quickly from chapter to chapter. The story was great at showing how our deep routed beliefs can quickly change. Especially when we find they are all based on a pack of lies.
Clara didn't strike me as a very likeable character initially, but that did change. The more we followed her journey for the truth, the more I rooted for her. She seemed to grow from a docile, almost obedient, character, to someone that could turn fierce when needed and fight for the truth.
I can't wait for the sequel.
September 28, 2023
I couldn’t put this down.
Join the naive Clara on her harrowing journey to wisdom.
A dystopian novel, set in a future world dominated by women. With the ability to clone themselves, men are no longer necessary for reproduction and have been relegated to servant level at best, slavery at worst. The story is set in England, where the Republic and its army of cloned women are at war with the Naturals, the downtrodden starving masses who still reproduce in the 'old-fashioned way'.
Young Clara Perdue, training to be a Truth Sister at the Republic's Academy, has been indoctrinated with the beliefs of the Republic. It is only when she leaves the Academy that she begins to discover the lies behind the Republic's doctrine.
This is a real page-turner, well planned and full of suspense.
Definitely 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
Join the naive Clara on her harrowing journey to wisdom.
A dystopian novel, set in a future world dominated by women. With the ability to clone themselves, men are no longer necessary for reproduction and have been relegated to servant level at best, slavery at worst. The story is set in England, where the Republic and its army of cloned women are at war with the Naturals, the downtrodden starving masses who still reproduce in the 'old-fashioned way'.
Young Clara Perdue, training to be a Truth Sister at the Republic's Academy, has been indoctrinated with the beliefs of the Republic. It is only when she leaves the Academy that she begins to discover the lies behind the Republic's doctrine.
This is a real page-turner, well planned and full of suspense.
Definitely 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
April 29, 2022
So first off I just have to say what an interesting concept, I haven't read anything remotely similar and I found this book absolutely fascinating!
It's quite a bleak story to be honest, but positivity shines through in the friendships that blossom along the way. There were lots of twists and it kept me gripped until the end.
To start with I wasn't keen on the main character Clara at all. I found her to be narrow minded and actually rather irritating. As the story progressed though and she went on a journey of discovery her point of view changed and she definitely started to grow on me.
It's quite different to the books I usually pick up, but I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the sequel!
It's quite a bleak story to be honest, but positivity shines through in the friendships that blossom along the way. There were lots of twists and it kept me gripped until the end.
To start with I wasn't keen on the main character Clara at all. I found her to be narrow minded and actually rather irritating. As the story progressed though and she went on a journey of discovery her point of view changed and she definitely started to grow on me.
It's quite different to the books I usually pick up, but I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the sequel!
September 5, 2023
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Truth Sister is set in a dystopia world of the year 2149 where cloning is a thing and women are in charge.
Clara Perdue is our protagonist and a graduate of a prestigious academy who isn't very likeable to begin with. Philip Gilvin gives us a character where you truly do have to learn to like her, which I think is brilliant.
The story captivates you and keeps you reading, especially in terms of whether you can like Clara or not.
It, however, feels the lack of world building, which would have elevated this story to another level.
That said, I did enjoy the read.
Truth Sister is set in a dystopia world of the year 2149 where cloning is a thing and women are in charge.
Clara Perdue is our protagonist and a graduate of a prestigious academy who isn't very likeable to begin with. Philip Gilvin gives us a character where you truly do have to learn to like her, which I think is brilliant.
The story captivates you and keeps you reading, especially in terms of whether you can like Clara or not.
It, however, feels the lack of world building, which would have elevated this story to another level.
That said, I did enjoy the read.
October 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this foray into a dystopian world.
A recent holiday to Russia has made me very sceptical of the view of the world that our media and political masters would have us believe in - especially those in my own country! Just how much are we being fed the party line?
This is the starting point for Truth Sister. Clara is a young girl with high ambitions - to become a Truth Sister; but are things really as she has been brought up to believe? The more she learns, the more she realises the extent to which Republic is manipulating its people for its own ends. Knowing the truth puts more than her own life in danger.
A real page turner.
A recent holiday to Russia has made me very sceptical of the view of the world that our media and political masters would have us believe in - especially those in my own country! Just how much are we being fed the party line?
This is the starting point for Truth Sister. Clara is a young girl with high ambitions - to become a Truth Sister; but are things really as she has been brought up to believe? The more she learns, the more she realises the extent to which Republic is manipulating its people for its own ends. Knowing the truth puts more than her own life in danger.
A real page turner.
September 7, 2023
So this book was really different for me. Like way outside my wheelhouse but sometimes that’s how I find the best books and find a new genre. This book is set way in the future where men aren’t needed and women are purity. Clair thinks she has it figured out after she graduates from her school but she finds out that the world she thought she knew has secrets and lies. I mean this book was so well written I couldn’t put it down and I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next. If you want something different and set wayyy in the future this book is for you. Also have you stepped out of your comfort zone recently with a book? Try it !!
September 9, 2023
‘Truth Sister’ is a really gripping novel set in a dystopian future where men aren’t really needed any more. The novel starts slowly but it always takes a little while to set up a futuristic world in the eyes of the reader. I wasn’t a massive fan of Clara in the beginning, she was very close minded but her character develops well over the story and by the end of it I really liked her. I liked that it was set in England as it made the story familiar but also futuristic in my mind. I am looking forward to reading more in this world.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
November 6, 2023
It was something about the whole thing that gripped me from the start the story was very intriguing. There was the way in which the characters were written in which made me more intrigued to read. The main character developed clearly which helped the story develop. The story line for the whole book was very interesting there was something about it which was very interesting, I didn’t want want to put it down. There was some many things that twisted and turned around in which I didn’t expect. I would love to read more of this author’s work.
April 29, 2022
Truth Sister is not like anything I've ever read before. It was an interesting concept and definitely kept my attention. It has a solid storyline and solid characters. I did not care for Clara though. She annoyed me and I just did not enjoy her. I did feel like this story is a little unsettling because you can very easily imagine this happening in real life. Overall, it was a good book and will keep you entertained.
September 14, 2023
My honest spoiler free review:
I absolutely loved reading this story! Following Clara through the story was intriguing and I always wanted to know what was happening next.
I enjoyed all the characters with their different characteristics. I loved all the twists that made this story gripping and exciting!
And theres a second book coming out! I believe its called black wolf and i genuinely super excited to carry on this storyline and see where it takes Clara next!
I absolutely loved reading this story! Following Clara through the story was intriguing and I always wanted to know what was happening next.
I enjoyed all the characters with their different characteristics. I loved all the twists that made this story gripping and exciting!
And theres a second book coming out! I believe its called black wolf and i genuinely super excited to carry on this storyline and see where it takes Clara next!
September 22, 2018
Truth Sister is the kind of novel you can consume within a few days. It’s fast-paced, atmospheric and full of infuriatingly corrupt characters that you will want to see punished from page one. If you liked Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale, you’ll definitely enjoy this hard-hitting read. For want of a better cliché, Truth Sister is a genuine page turner.
April 28, 2022
It's 2149. Women rule. The Women's Republic of Anglia seek the forgotten knowledge from when men ruled the world. There is a divide between those who are naturals that were born in the old animalistic way and those who were born through cloning and so thought of to be the true children of the Republic.
Clara Perdue has graduated from a prestigious Academy where she is taught the values and principles to become a Truth Sister. But then Clara comes across information the Republic has kept hidden and discovers secrets in her own family. Clara digs further to uncover more of what has been going on, meeting naturals and those that are rebelling and begins to question everything she was taught to believe about the society she was trained to defend.
Clara is on the run. Knowledge is power. It can save your life. Or get you killed.
I read a lot of dystopian books both for adults and YA. It's one of my favourite genres. Although I've read many I thought Truth Sister was a fresh, original idea. It's very fast paced and I found myself racing through in only a couple of days. I connected with the characters and liked how Clara developed through the book. Beginning as a rather unlikable young girl who has been brainwashed by the Academy, she matured as she began to realise that she can't trust everything the adults tell her and can have ideas and opinions of her own. She was such a contrast to Jack, a boy she meets who in comparison is wise for his years and used to the harsh reality of life in the Women's Republic. I'm excited to discover what is next for Clara in book 2.
Clara Perdue has graduated from a prestigious Academy where she is taught the values and principles to become a Truth Sister. But then Clara comes across information the Republic has kept hidden and discovers secrets in her own family. Clara digs further to uncover more of what has been going on, meeting naturals and those that are rebelling and begins to question everything she was taught to believe about the society she was trained to defend.
Clara is on the run. Knowledge is power. It can save your life. Or get you killed.
I read a lot of dystopian books both for adults and YA. It's one of my favourite genres. Although I've read many I thought Truth Sister was a fresh, original idea. It's very fast paced and I found myself racing through in only a couple of days. I connected with the characters and liked how Clara developed through the book. Beginning as a rather unlikable young girl who has been brainwashed by the Academy, she matured as she began to realise that she can't trust everything the adults tell her and can have ideas and opinions of her own. She was such a contrast to Jack, a boy she meets who in comparison is wise for his years and used to the harsh reality of life in the Women's Republic. I'm excited to discover what is next for Clara in book 2.
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January 16, 2022Loved this. First book I have read in ages and I am now obsessed with distopean futures! It was a book fairy find in the outlet centre and am very grateful for whoever put it there as it has got me back into reading :)
April 16, 2018
Interesting world, unconvincing main character
December 26, 2018
A really good story.
Well written and a story that takes you along. Imaginative and i enjoyed it.
Well worth a read. I look forward to the next one.
Well written and a story that takes you along. Imaginative and i enjoyed it.
Well worth a read. I look forward to the next one.
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